What was expected to be a key build-up tournament ahead of the CHAN 2024 has plunged into uncertainty, with Kenya’s Harambee Stars officially withdrawing from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania just hours before their scheduled opener against hosts Tanzania.

In a press release dated July 21, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the national team’s withdrawal, citing “prevailing conditions unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation.” The statement confirmed that the decision was made following thorough technical assessment and recommendations from the team’s bench led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy.

“The team will return to Kenya and resume preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, with full focus now shifting to ensuring optimal readiness for the assignment ahead,” the statement read in part.

The confusion surrounding the CECAFA tournament deepened on Monday as multiple logistical hiccups surfaced. Senegal, who replaced South Sudan as the fourth team, had not yet arrived in Tanzania, while nearly half of Uganda’s Cranes contingent remained stranded in Kampala due to logistical challenges.

Kenya was set to face Tanzania in the opening match of the tournament at 3:00 PM at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, but the kickoff now hangs in the balance with only one of the four teams fully available.

The CECAFA 4-Nations was meant to provide participating teams with valuable match fitness and tactical fine-tuning ahead of CHAN 2024 , which Kenya is co-hosting. However, with Kenya’s withdrawal and general disorganization in Arusha, the credibility of the mini-tournament now appears severely dented.

Whether the tournament continues and in what format remains unclear.